Cheap Hitch-Hiker (Video) (Edmond O'Brien, Frank Lovejoy, William Talman) (Ida Lupino) Price

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Customer Reviews of Hitch-Hiker

Edmond O'Brien and Frank Lovejoy star as Roy Collins and Gilbert Bowen, respectively, two men embarking on a hunting/fishing trip. The trouble begins when they pick up a hitchhiker named Emmet Myers, played by William Talman. Turns out Myers is a sadistic killer who's being sought by numerous law enforcement agencies for a string of murders.

The tension and suspense start to build almost immediately, and are sustained throughout the movie as the men travel the southwestern deserts of California into Mexico. The men try to look for a means to escape, but Myers keeps a tight lease on the men, and due to his unpredictable nature and complete lack of remorse, they know he would kill without regard. Also, Myers has a paralyzed right eyelid which causes it never to close properly. This means he actually sleeps with one eye open, giving the appearance that he's always watching, even when he's sleeping. Very creepy!

As the manhunt for Myers increases, the pressure increases, and the men know that once Myers decides they are more of a liability than they're worth, he will dispose of them, as he tells them this every chance he gets. There was just enough character development provided for Myers in the tight script to give viewers a glimpse into what drives the man and his contempt for life in general. The three leading actors all play their parts very professionally, but Talman really sells his performance. He provided a brutal yet subtle picture of a remorseless, psychotic killer and reminded me of a coiled rattlesnake that could strike at any moment.

The oppressive desert locations, a well-written script, and taut directing work together nicely, creating a sense of anxiety and forboding right up to the end of the movie. I was surprised, but pleased with the outcome, as it didn't seem in line with other crime dramas of the time.

There were some minor flaws in the print, and I noticed the audio dropped out very briefly on two different occasions, but that took away none of my enjoyment of this film. And given the condition of the original prints, this restored version looks really great. Included is an interesting introduction by Robert Clarke, in which he details some of his experiences working with Ida Lupino.

LUPINO'S FILM NOIR.
William Talman (he reminds one here of a poor man's Joseph Cotten) who portrayed Hamilton Berger on television's PERRY MASON plays Emmet Myers, a psychotic killer who hitch-hikes, rides, then robs and murders his benefactors. Fleeing from the police, he meets two men on a fishing boat en route to Mexico and keeps them hostage until he can find safety south of the border...Parental hatred seemed to be much of the cause of Myer's curious personality, that coupled by a deformed right eye - which doesn't close even during sleep - makes for a creepy character indeed. Based upon an unpublished story by Daniel Mainwaring which was reportedly based upon fact, the story wasn't so much a warning to beware of hitch-hikers, but rather a study in fear which prevailed in audience pleasers of the 1950's; "thinking" people were entranced by science fiction, aliens, nuclear attacts, etc. - this made for more intellectual conversation among fifties folk. Generally regarded as being the only film noir directed by a woman, Ida Lupino's THE HITCH-HIKER is also a good example of the genre.

Which one to buy??
The film itself is worth at least 4 stars and belongs on your shelf next to "D.O.A." and "Detour" but the Alpha dvd version of "The Hitch-hiker" leaves a lot to be desired. Very grainy, poor definition and the picture seems cropped at the sides varying from left to right. You can see it on the opening titles when half of the "The" is missing and later on in the car shots when the right half of Edmond O'Brien's head isn't there when he's speaking. The modestly-priced Roan disc would be the one to get if your player can handle it. Otherwise, Kino is the rather more pricey choice. The movie is well worth owning.